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After placing in district last year, sophomore Kyla Gibson has her sights set on new heights this track season. The Shield‘s Abigail Salazar caught up with her (no small accomplishment) and asked her a few questions about her past, present and future in track and field.

The Shield: Why did you decide to join track?
Kyla Gibson: I really like exercising a lot, and I figured that if I already do volleyball, why not try out track and try another sport. My friend also convinced me to do track.TS: Which one do you like better track or volleyball?
KG: Track for sure.TS: Why do you like track better?
KG: Well it is an individual sport, so you don’t really have to depend on other people. I don’t know I just really like it a lot better.

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If I am stressed out track is my gateway especially when it comes to running and throwing. That’s probably why I throw so I can throw everything out.”

TS: Did any of your family members run track? If so did that influence you?
KG: Yes, and it also influenced me as well.TS: What did your family do?
KG: My mom did shot put and discus, I think my uncles did 100 meters, and my cousins did hurdles.TS: Are you happy how the season has gone so far?
KG: Yea so far, it’s going good. [Feb.15] was our first meet, and I think this year is going to be a pretty good season so far.TS: What is your outlook for this season?
KG: Definitely to become stronger and faster and a little more competitive.TS: How are you going to achieve them?
KG: Pushing myself to do more. Instead of just going and competing in one specific level, I’m going to strive for others level and diversity.TS: How does this season compared to last year?
KG: This year there are a lot more freshmen, not a lot of sophomores, a few juniors and seniors, which is a lot different from last year. The girls are also a lot more open this year; they talk about anything and everything. We are kinda like a family all together.TS: Do you guys motivate each other?
KG: Yes, if we feel like we want to quit, we usually just say things like “No, you got this,” or “Hey, you can do this. Just keep pushing.”

TS: Are there any teams you considered a rival that you look forward to playing?

KG: Definitely Elgin, because they are really good, and we have never beat Elgin before so it would be nice to finally beat them.

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The girls are also a lot more open this year; they talk about anything and everything. We are kinda like a family all together.”

TS: Do you have a favorite meal before games?

KG: Definitely granola bar because I can get that protein and an orange.

TS: Do you have any pre-meet rituals?

KG: This year we don’t really have anything; we just meet and start doing what we need to do. But last year we did a bunch of singing and dancing before we started.

TS: What’s your favorite memory playing?

KG: This year it would definitely be yesterday’s track meet [on Feb. 15] since it was the first one, and we were going up against Bowie, and they are amazing. It was nice to see how McCallum really showed out yesterday, like we did really good.

TS: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?

KG: I have had my moments where I want to quit, and I usually just say to myself, “It will all be worth it in the end.” When you get that medal you can always say “Oh yeah, I got that medal because I did this.”

TS: Have you won any medals?

KG: Yes, last year I won four, and I won them for shot put and discus.

TS: How did you feel when you won those medals?

KG: I felt really good about it.

TS: How are you improving on your past training in order to get faster?

KG: So this year instead of doing everything halfway or not to my full potential, i’m actually doing 100 percent and putting in all my effort. And also on my own I’m working out to get better.

TS: In three words that describe you running or track experience?

KG: Fun, early, and happy. There is a lot of happiness there.

TS: Proudest accomplishment?

KG: Definitely placing in district in last year of doing two events that I have never done before, which was shot put and discus, but i still did really well in it.

TS: After a long day of track how do you cool down and relax?

KG: So I usually have a roller so that way I can roll out everything so I won’t be sore. I also take a hot shower and I drink a bunch of water.

TS: Does track help you relieve stress and help calm you down?

KG: Definitely, especially for classes. If I am stressed out track is my gateway especially when it comes to running and throwing. That’s probably why I throw so I can throw everything out.